2017 Vestry Financial Report

2017 Vestry Report

December 2017 Update from the Canonical Committee

It has been several weeks since Bishop Melissa approved the start of the Canonical process at St. John’s. The Canonical Committee has been meeting every two weeks since the process started We would like to let you know what has been happening and what will happen in the next little while. Progress to Date We have: Met with the Archdeacon of Burrard and Lougheed, the Venerable Phillipa Seagrave-Pride, to learn more about the process and get her advice Reviewed a variety of parish profiles from other parishes Reviewed the data we gathered in the parish including the results of our Lenten study and our parish survey Organized a gathering of photographs to select the ones that best represent who we are to be used in the parish profile Started to develop various contents for the parish profile Results of the Parish Survey We surveyed the parish in August and September. We are pleased to report that 65 surveys were completed. The following are the highlights of the results: The new mission statement received great support. Over 87% of respondents were supportive. The mission statement was later formally adopted by parish council. Our mission statement appears in the weekly E-postle communication and is: “The Parish of St. John the Apostle is called to be a Spirited Community at the heart of Port Moody, transformed through the experience of the presence of Christ and sent out to share God’s Love.” We asked parishioners what was most important in achieving the mission and the top three items were: Outreach (93.9%) Worship Style (93.2%) Pastoral Care (89.1%) We asked what should be the priorities for our buildings and the top three priorities were: Accessibility was by far the top priority (scoring 8.16 out of 9) Expand capacity of the worship space (5.81 out of...

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Advent at Home

  Advent Advent is the period preceding the Christmas season. It begins on the Sunday nearest November 30, the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle, and covers four Sundays. Because the day it begins changes from year to year, so does the length of each Advent season. In 2017, Advent begins on December 3 and lasts only 22 days, because Advent 4 lands on December 24, which is also Christmas Eve! The word advent is from Latin, and means “the coming.” For centuries, Advent has been a time of spiritual reflection as well as cheer and anticipation. Even as the Christmas season has become more secular—with advertisers urging holiday gift-givers to buy and buy some more—Advent still brings joy and the observance of ancient customs. Christian families find quiet moments lighting candles in the Advent wreath, and children use Advent calendars to count the days until Christmas.   The History of Advent Advent has probably been observed since the fourth century. Originally, it was a time when converts to Christianity readied themselves for baptism. During the Middle Ages, Advent became associated with preparation for the Second Coming. In early days Advent lasted from November 11, the feast of St. Martin, until Christmas Day. Advent was considered a pre-Christmas season of Lent when Christians devoted themselves to prayer and fasting. The Orthodox Eastern Church observes a similar Lenten season, from November 15 until Christmas, rather than Advent. Many Christians still view Advent as a season to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus. In more recent years, however, it has also come to be thought of as a time of anticipating the Nativity, on Christmas Day. Advent Wreaths Advent wreaths have their origins in the folk traditions of northern Europe, where in the deep of winter people lit candles on wheel-shaped...

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Food Bank Christmas Gift Donations

  Food Bank Christmas Gift The plan this year is to again provide a box of cookies for each family who attends the St. John’s Food Bank. Each gift will be $20 for which a tax receipt will be issued. Your donation can be made on Nov. 26, Dec. 3, and Dec. 10 before and after each service in the  Narthex. Christmas cards will be available to sign and will be attached to the cookies when being distributed on Dec. 21 at the Food Bank Christmas Dinner. After purchasing the cookies, the extra money will be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and supplies for the Food Bank. Your gift is greatly appreciated.

Donations of Warm Socks Needed

  The St John’s group, is  appealing to you for donation of new or slightly used SOCKS for both men and women. 3030 Gordon Ave provides transitional housing for those in need. With the cold weather setting in, the building also provides for additional individuals during periods of exceptionally inclement weather. There are 4 groups from different churches helping to sort out clothing from donations in the community on a rotational basis. Please pass your donations to Rosa, Marylou, Betty, Doris or Ruby before the 13th December.

Fall Bazaar Thank You from Ferne

Fall Bazaar – My most sincere thanks to the many, many people who helped with the Bazaar.  It was so inspiring to see how many people stepped in to give a hand whenever one was needed.  Our final total was an amazing one of $6,568.35 so all of our hard work was rewarded. Blessings, Ferne

WELCOME POST PROJECT

Sophie helps James Harry with some carving of the Welcome Post “Carver, James Harry, will be carving our Welcome Post for the next few weeks in the mornings from Tuesday to Saturday before taking it to his studio to finish it. Dates and times may vary. Please call ahead to confirm if you are making a special trip. James’ schedule (subject to change): Carving Oct 24-26 from 11am to 2pm Away 27 – Nov 2 Carving Nov 3-4 Away Nov 6-9 Carving Nov 10-15 Nov 15 taking to studio to finish 617 Gore Ave, Cinatown, Vancouver June 21 National Aboriginal Day ceremony at the Noons Creek Hatchery.” Over the next few months we will keep you up to date on his progress and also provide for more info about the raising the Welcome Post ceremony on June 21st 2018